Degree and duration

Regular program length of 2 years leading to a "Master of Science (M.Sc.)" degree; 120 credit points (corresponding to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System - ECTS) must be completed. Individual prorgram length may differ from regular program length.

The main intention of the Master’s program ‘Optics & Photonics’ within the frame of the KIT mission statement on teaching and learning reads: ‘intense scientific and research-oriented education and interdisciplinary acquisition of competences’. The goal of the program is the preparation of students in the international environment of Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics (KSOP) for a career in scientific institutions or in companies working in the strongly expanding area of Optics & Photonics.

To achieve this goal the curriculum comprises the following overall program objectives:

• acquisition of wide-ranging knowledge in a broad spectrum of Optics & Photonics from basic science and theory to technological applications in the introduction (1st Semester) and core-subject (2nd Semester) phases,
• research-oriented acquisition of competences in one of the interdisciplinary research areas of KSOP during the specialization phase (3rd Semester) and the master’s thesis (4th Semester),
• imparting of practical skills in scientifically oriented laboratory courses and an internship in industry or a research institution,
• acquisition of soft skills in form of integrative and additive key competencies augmented in a natural way by the intercultural context of KSOP.

This carefully balanced curriculum includes thorough teaching of basic knowledge, a manifold of elective topics and dedicated specialization. Students will be able to identify current and future problems in both, scientific and industrial contexts, to tackle complex tasks and to elaborate effective solutions with the use of scientific methods.

Requirement for admission is an above-average bachelor's degree or at least equivalent degree in the field of engineering or natural sciences based on a minimum of 180 ECTS credit points and at least 3 years program length; the degree needs to completed during the program's regular length. The following study programs are accepted as admission requirement:

• Optics and Photonics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Biology, if Mathematics was chosen as a minor
• Mathematics, if Physics was chosen as a minor
• Computer Sciences, if Physics was chosen as a minor

Among all applicants, the selection commission will form a ranking order based on completed coursework and any miscellaneous achievements. A maxmimum of 150 points will be awarded.

The selection process takes into consideration the overall grade of the academic graduation exam and any completed coursework; a maximum of 95 points will be awarded for this. Additionally, any miscellaneous scientific and/or professional achievements witll be awarded with a maximum of 55 points. The following criteria will be taken into consideration if they provide any additional information whether the application is suitable for the study program in question:

1. practical activies and educational background
2. extracurricular achievements and qualifications, e.g. awards, publications
3. overseas experience and language skills
4. motivational letter and letter of recommendation

The selection commission will evaluate applicants whose bachlor's programs are not equivalent to ECTS guidelines (ECTS grades and credit points) and do not have a ranking order among graduates on the basis of the escription of the study program. All relevant documents need to be provided during the application process.

• Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics
• Academic advisor

• Course catalog WT20
• Course catalog WT20/21 (PDF)
• Archive of previous catalogs